Tailings Process Engineer

Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc. is seeking an Tailings Engineer

to join our growing

Tailings and Waste Management Group

. The successful candidate will have more than 10 years of relevant experience in tailings and mine waste dewatering and management, including associated water management systems. This position is ideal for an experienced professional who is passionate about solving complex engineering challenges, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to the safe and efficient management of tailings and mine waste globally.

This is a

full-time

position based in

Sudbury, Ontario

, with opportunities for travel to mine sites and other Paterson & Cooke offices, as required. The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be eager to grow and build a team in the Sudbury office, as such we are not entertaining remote work for this position.

Paterson & Cooke’s expertise in tailings pipelines and pumping systems is the foundation of our business. Over the past three decades, we have expanded upstream and downstream of this core competency to become industry leaders in

tailings dewatering, handling, and placement technology

. We pride ourselves on providing independent, trusted advice that bridges the gap between vendors and clients, and we remain committed to the development of safer tailings facilities worldwide. Our team continues to advance tailings management practices through innovation, efficiency, and the exploration of alternative waste management technologies.

Tasks

- Lead and execute engineering design and analysis for tailings and mine waste management systems, including hydraulic and mechanical transport systems, dewatering, and placement.

- Prepare and review design drawings, reports, technical memoranda, and cost estimates.

- Develop and interpret laboratory and pilot-scale test programs supporting material characterization and dewatering.

- Support field investigations, commissioning, and operational troubleshooting at active mine sites.

- Participate in engineering reviews and risk assessments, identifying opportunities to improve safety and performance.

- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our global offices to deliver integrated engineering solutions.

- Prepare and deliver technical presentations for clients and internal stakeholders.

- Contribute to proposals and scopes of work for new tailings and waste management projects.

Responsibilities

- Take ownership of assigned projects, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with client objectives.

- Maintain a high standard of technical excellence, producing clear and defensible engineering deliverables.

- Uphold Paterson & Cooke’s reputation as a trusted independent advisor by providing objective, practical, and value-driven solutions.

- Supervise and mentor junior engineers, supporting their technical and professional development.

- Communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and project partners, building long-term professional relationships.

- Ensure that all work is conducted safely and in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.

- Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of Paterson & Cooke’s methods, tools, and knowledge base.

- Stay informed on technological advancements and evolving best practices in tailings management and mine waste re-purposing.

- Participate in global initiatives aimed at advancing P&C’s Tailings and Waste Management Group capabilities.

- Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and professional forums when appropriate.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in

Mineral Processing, Metallurgical or Mechanical Engineering

, or a related discipline.

- 10+ years of relevant experience

in tailings dewatering and management, mine waste engineering, or related fields.

- Demonstrated experience in the design, analysis, and operation of tailings management systems.

- Working knowledge of dewatering, thickening, filtration, and alternative tailings disposal technologies.

- Strong project management and organizational skills.

- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, Excel-based modeling, or hydraulic simulation tools).

- Registered as a

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)

in Ontario or another Provincial association.

- Valid driver’s license and passport; ability to travel to domestic and international mine sites as required.

Personal Characteristics

- Technically curious, innovative, and eager to tackle challenging engineering problems.

- Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities.

- Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy.

- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.

- Professional, adaptable, and motivated by continuous learning and growth.

- Passionate about contributing to safer, more sustainable tailings management practices worldwide.

A Career with Paterson & Cooke

Paterson & Cooke is an employee-owned, international specialist engineering firm known for high quality work and exceeding client expectations, often with innovative solutions. Our team enjoy the challenge of living up to this reputation daily, in a workplace that allows each employee to thrive and grow. In the Sudbury office, we balance a demanding, rewarding workload with consideration for work-life balance. We follow a unique work schedule that provides, on average, every other Friday off, with dates set in advance to align with long weekends for the benefit of our team. We enjoy the opportunity to connect outside the office through summer BBQ’s, sports, and spontaneous gatherings to celebrate milestones – or just the end of the week. We encourage employees to expand their knowledge through employer supported training courses and on-site experience. With offices covering five continents and an international clientele, P&C provides opportunities for our employees to travel the world. Our size enables our employees to make a difference in the company and fosters opportunities for career growth and advancement. Our aim is to create an environment in which everyone is technically challenged and eager to come to work.